Calcium Sodium Borosilicate

What is Calcium Sodium Borosilicate?

Calcium Sodium Borosilicate consists of fused silica, calcium oxide, and sodium oxide, creating inert, spherical glass particles produced through high-temperature melting and rapid cooling. These microspheres appear in makeup like eyeshadows, foundations, and powders, as well as skincare creams and lotions. Primarily functioning as a bulking agent, it expands product mass to enhance structure and usability while maintaining a lightweight feel. It also opacifies formulas to diffuse light for a soft-focus effect and controls viscosity for optimal thickness. The smooth particles glide easily, aiding even distribution without settling or clumping. Chemically stable and non-reactive, it integrates seamlessly into emulsions and anhydrous systems, supporting formulation efficiency across various product types without influencing skin absorption or biological activity.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Bulking agent
Increases mass/volume to build structure and improve handling, commonly used to adjust feel, spread, and cost-in-use without acting as a primary active.

Benefits

Enhances product volume for improved stability and user handling.

Provides silky texture and better spreadability on skin.

Supports non-comedogenic formulas suitable for daily use.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking smooth, lightweight cosmetic application.
Those with rare silicate sensitivities.
Individuals with acne-prone skin needing pore-friendly bulking.
Preferers of fully organic, particle-free products.
People formulating or using makeup for even coverage.
Individuals avoiding synthetic inorganics despite low risk.

Safety Notes

  • Low hazard rating from independent assessments.
  • Non-irritating and safe in cosmetic concentrations per expert reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Sodium Borosilicate

What does Calcium Sodium Borosilicate do in products?

It acts as a bulking agent to increase volume, improve texture, and aid spreadability without active effects.

Is it comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

How safe is it for skin?

Low hazard profile from assessments, non-irritating for typical cosmetic use.